Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Duration: 09 Nights / 10 Days
Routing: Arrive Srinagar – Sonamarg – Shekdur – Nichnai – Vishansar lake – Krishansar lake – Gadsar – Satsar - Gangabal Twin lakes – Naranag – Srinagar Departure

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Srinagar
Day Highlights: Arrive Srinagar, Chashmi-e Shahi, Nishat, Shalimar Bagh, Hazratbal, Shankracharya temple and Shikara Ride.

Upon arrival after traditional Indian style ‘Swagat’(Welcome) by Exceptional Escapes representative, he would assist you at the airport & transfer to Houseboat for check in.       
Srinagar; situated on the bank of Jhelum, Srinagar is a treasure trove of beauty and it will be a pleasure for many travellers to explore the bounteous beauty of the city. The major beauty of this city are its waterfalls and gardens which were made by the Mughal emperors. Snow-capped mountains, chinar trees and beautiful valleys give a spectacular view to the city.

Welcome by traditional Kashmiri drink (Kahwah) on arrival, Post lunch,proceed for sightseeing of Srinagar visiting the Chashmi-e Shahi (The Royal Spring), Nishat (The Garden of pleasure) Shalimar Bagh (Abode of love). Hazratbal and Shankracharya temple.
Take the Shikara ride on Dal lake

Overnight Houseboat – Srinagar (B, D)

Day 02: Srinagar – Sonamarg
Day Highlights: Thajiwas Glacier

Post breakfast checkout from the hotel and leave for Sonamarg; is the last stop of Kashmir District. From here starts the territory of Ladakh. Situated at an altitude of 2743 m above sea level, Sonamarg is absolutely true to its name, which means 'Meadow of Gold'. The moment you enter Sonamarg, the first thing that you will notice will be the snow-covered mountain that forms the backdrop of the town. Covered with alpine trees from all sides, Sonamarg has few of the loveliest flower collection in Jammu and Kashmir. You may take a pony ride to Thajiwas Glacier where snow remains round the year.

Later check-in at the Hotel/Camp
Overnight Hotel/Camp- Sonamarg

Day 03: Sonamarg to Nichnai via Shekdur (9 to 10 km)
Day Highlights: 7 hour Trek, Sindh River, Evergreen Pine and Maple Trees

Post breakfast, start with a 3-4 km trek from the Sonamarg and reach a roadside eatery, from where you can bag up all the required commodities for the day. Here onwards, the trek will be a gradual one and alongside the Sindh River, it will take you through maple and pine forests. Completing the hike through the forests, you will be rewarded with the stunning views of the Sonamarg Valley and pictorial streams.
Here onwards, the trek will descend down and will take you to the snow-covered Shekdur Range. Relax around the vicinity for a while before you start trekking towards the Nichnai, which is located at around 11,500 ft above the sea level.
Upon arrival in Nichnai, check-in into the campsite; dinner and overnight stay in the camp.

Day 04: Nichnai – Vishansar Lake (13 km trek)
Day Highlights, 8 Hours Trek, Nichnai Pass, Himalayan Range, Vishansar Lake

Start the day early. Breakfast at the camp leave around 08:00 AM, start the trek towards the Nichnai Pass and enjoy the stunning views of the lush valleys and the untouched beauty of the region. Hereafter, cross the river and continue hiking through the banks of the river and arrive at the Nichnai Pass or the Vishansar Berry. Arriving at the pass, which is located 13,500 m above the sea level, witness and enjoy the meticulous beauty of the pass and the snow-covered peaks all around it.
Hereafter, the trek will undergo a steep descend and will lead you to a pictorial meadow of colorful flowers; while on this trek, you can also catch glimpses of a cascade that finally joins a river. Here onwards, continue with the hike and upon arriving a flat valley, continue towards its end and arrive at the campsite.
Gazing on the left of this trail, you can also behold captivating views of the Himalayan Range and also the Vishansar Lake.
Overnight stay at camp.

Day 05: Acclimatization day in Vishansar
Day Highlights Acclimatize yourself to the weather and rest at Vishansar

This day of the Lakes in Kashmir Trek would be a light one as you acclimatize yourself to the weather and rest at Vishansar.

Overnight stay at camp.

Day 06: Vishansar – Gadsar (via Krishansar and Gadsar Pass) (11 km trek)
Day Highlights 6 Hours Trek, Krishansar Peak, Vishansar and Kishansar Lake

This chilly morning, witness the Kishansar Peak casting its reflection on the azure lake waters. Start the trek for the day towards the lakeside and reach the Kishansar Peak, which is situated around 500ft above the campsite. Here onwards, ascend to the other side of the water reservoir. The trek till here comprises of both easy and tough terrains.
Later part of the day, trek towards the Kishansar Lake and finally make it to the Gadsar Pass that is perched at a height of 13,800 ft and is the highest point of this trek. From the pass, pass through a flowery meadow and some of the pictorial lakes; Yamsar is one of these lakes.
From here, continue with the descend and after crossing Iris, reach the Gadsar Lake. A picturesque lake, it is adorned with the stunning beauty of exotic flowers and snow on both the sides.
Arriving at the lakeside, report to the nearest Army Camp and complete the formalities of getting permission to pass Gadsar; ID proofs are a must for this.

Day 07: Gadsar – Satsar (12 km Trek)
Day Highlights 7 Hours Trek, Satsar Lakes, Camping beside the Lakes

Your day will begin with a walk from the army camp towards the stream. Brace yourself for varied terrains from super steep, flat and even land. Take a short break at Maengandob that is fringed by mountains.
Reach the first of Satsar lakes, which is a group of seven different lakes and follow the same procedure of yesterday with the army officials and set camps near the surreal first lake of Satsar.

Day 08: Satsar to Gangabal Twin lakes (9 km trek)
Day Highlights 7 hours Trek, Gangabal Twin lakes

A true test of caliber, this is the day when you will have to push your physical and mental limits! Trudge through rocks and boulders ridden terrain, pass the last of the Satsar lakes, and start hiking downwards for half an hour till you arrive at the forest line.
Here onwards, start ascending upward and reach an altitude of 13,400 ft; during this climb, you can witness several ridges at different heights and the quaint Gujjar huts as well. From the summit, you can also behold the fascinating views of the twin lakes: Gangabal and Nundkol, that are connected to each other by a picturesque stream and are known for trout-fishing.
Post this; trek through a sharp and rocky trail and make it to a gurgling stream, passing which, you will reach a lush meadow that advent towards the Nundkol Lake, which is also a popular weekend getaway among the locals.
Trekking for around 20 minutes from the Nundkol Lake, you will finally arrive at the Gangabal Lake and by crossing the bridge across the lake, you will arrive at the campsite, dinner and overnight stay in the camp.

Day 09: Gangabal – Naranag (12 km trek)
Day Highlights Trek Ends

On your final day of the Kashmir Lake Trek, start from the Gangabal camp, ramble on grassy land dotted with yellow flowers and pine forest. Descend are reach Naranag, the last leg of your trek.
If you wish, you can visit Naranag Temple. Be driven back to Srinagar.

Upon arrival check-in at the houseboat/Guesthouse.
Evening is free at leisure. You can visit the markets for last minute souvenir shopping.

Overnight Houseboat/Guesthouse- Srinagar

Day 10: Srinagar Airport Drop
After breakfast free time at leisure. Accordingly to the flight timings transfer to Srinagar airport to board the flight back home taking back wonderful holiday memories….